The Parade January 20, 1997March 25, 2012 If you were born in 1947, like me, you’ve probably spent most of your life hoping for things that seemed impossible. Nuclear disarmament, freedom in Eastern Europe, an end to apartheid, democracy and free trade throughout much of the world, cheap air fares, fat-free cheese. Also: low interest rates, low inflation, a bull market, declining crime rates, low unemployment, declining deficits. Not to mention a country at least a little closer to judging its citizens based on the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. (Happy Birthday, Dr. King.) Needless to say, there’s a long list of problems, too. But those are for the next 1,460 days. Today is a day to enjoy a little — even if you preferred the other guy.